Siemens Mobility Workers are Feeling the Heat

In July, California established new Indoor Heat Illness Prevention measures to protect workers from heat illness. When indoor temperatures reach 82º F, employers like Siemens Mobility have new obligations to keep workers safe. Numerous Siemens Mobility employees required medical attention after experiencing heat illness at work in the past month, but extreme heat does not have to mean extreme danger. Siemens Workers United is here to help you by helping you advocate for the safe workplace you deserve.

All workers have a right to a safe and healthful workplace.

You have a right to water, cool-down rests, and training from Siemens on the signs and symptoms of heat illness and what to do if you get sick or notice a coworker get sick. If you work at a job where the indoor temperature reaches or exceeds 82°F, by law your employer must do the following:

• Provide enough cool, fresh drinking water, free of charge, throughout the day.
• Provide preventive cool-down rest periods in cool-down areas that must be below 82°F, blocked from direct sunlight, and shielded from objects that give off heat. Ask for a cool-down break if you need it and rest long enough until you feel healthy enough to return to work.
• Use control measures such as insulation, heat-reflective surfaces, air conditioning, fans, ventilation, modified work practices, as well as personal heat-protective equipment like cooling vests, jackets, and neck wraps, when certain conditions are met.
• Siemens Mobility is required to develop a written Indoor Heat Illness Prevention Plan, and train all employees and supervisors on this plan.

For more information, read the Cal/OSHA Heat Illness Prevention Fact Sheet or visit the Indoor Heat Illness Prevention website .

Recognizing the signs of heat illness

Early symptoms: fatigue, heavy sweating, headache, cramps, dizziness, high pulse rate, nausea/vomiting

Life-threatening symptoms: high body temperature; red, hot, dry skin; confusion; convulsions; fainting

Watch for symptoms in yourself and your coworkers. If you feel or observe any heat-illness symptoms, tell your coworkers and supervisor immediately because medical help may be needed. Tell your supervisor if you are new to working in the heat or have concerns about heat illness.

Forming a union gives you more power at Siemens to guarantee worker safety. Sign an authorization card with Siemens Workers United today.

Sign Now!